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Bryan Manning

17 Commanders players who will be pending free agents in 2024

The Washington Commanders will have a new owner by the time the 2023 NFL season begins. NFL owners are expected to vote to approve Josh Harris as Washington’s new owner on July 20.

When Harris takes over, he’ll have a lot on his plate. There are the stadium talks, winning back over fans and the status of the current front office and coaching staff.

Regardless of what happens during the season, Washington’s front office will be busy next winter. The Commanders have 33 players set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2024. And while Washington has locked up core players like Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Terry McLaurin, there will be a lot of work to do next offseason.

Here are 17 of those Commanders’ free agents in 2024 — and there are some big names here.

WR Curtis Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) catches a touchdown pass against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (1). Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

After missing most of his first season in Washington due to injury, Samuel bounced back last season. He’ll be a big part of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense in 2023; with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown already on the roster, the Commanders could look to spend elsewhere.

QB Jacoby Brissett

Washington Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Brissett signed a one-year deal with the Commanders. Sam Howell is expected to start, but if he struggles, Washington will turn to Brissett. Brissett has established himself enough to this point that he can continue signing lucrative one-year-deals.

DE Montez Sweat

Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Commanders celebrates a sack. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The Commanders want to keep Sweat. But they can’t do anything until Harris officially takes over. Signing Sweat now could be cheaper than if they wait. But there is also the concern that if they pay Sweat and Chase Young reaches double-digit sacks, they have no chance of keeping Young or controlling his rights for 2024 unless they use the franchise tag.

DE Chase Young

Chase Young #99 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Washington made headlines when it chose not to exercise Young’s fifth-year option. There were arguments for both sides, but you can’t blame the Commanders for choosing to guarantee over $17 million for Young in 2024. If Young has a big season, he’ll get paid handsomely — in Washington or elsewhere.

CB Kendall Fuller

Kendall Fuller #29 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Commanders love Fuller. He’s been outstanding for the past three seasons overall. However, he is entering his eighth NFL season, and Washington just drafted Emmanuel Forbes in the first round. Fuller is a terrific player and leader, but this is another position where the Commanders may choose to spend elsewhere.

S Kamren Curl

Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl (31). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Sweat and Curl are two priorities for the Commanders once Harris takes over. Will Harris allow the current front office to extend these players? Or is everyone in “prove-it mode” for 2023? Curl is a major piece of Washington’s defense, but the Commanders have several young safeties, such as Darrick Forrest and Percy Butler. It’s worth keeping an eye on.

 

S Jeremy Reaves

Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Reaves is another major priority for the Commanders. Not only is Reaves a key reserve on defense, but he’s also an All-Pro on special teams. The intangibles he brings are immeasurable. If you are betting on one free agent getting an extension done soon, Reaves is probably your best bet.

RB Antonio Gibson

Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Gibson is slated for a big role in Bieniemy’s offense in 2023. Washington will employ the screen game more, and the former college wide receiver will have more opportunities to catch passes out of the backfield. The Commanders drafted Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the sixth round to likely replace Gibson in 2024.

DE Efe Obada

Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Things worked out so well between Washington and Obada last season they brought him back in 2023. With so many free agents in 2024, could Obada return again on another cheap one-year deal?

OT Cornelius Lucas

Washington Football Team offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (78). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Lucas has signed two two-year contracts with Washington. Lucas has been forced to play more than expected since he signed in 2020. He has played right and left tackle over the past three seasons and held his own. Lucas will turn 33 in 2024, so this season could be his last in Washington.

LB Cody Barton

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton (57). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This is a one-year, prove-it deal for Barton. He wanted to sign somewhere he could be the starting middle linebacker and call plays. If he succeeds, he could be a part of the future plans. If he doesn’t, he may be behind Khaleke Hudson.

LB Khaleke Hudson

Washington Football Team linebacker Khaleke Hudson (47) leaps to intercept a pass. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

A huge opportunity awaits Hudson in 2023. While he isn’t slated to start, he’s run with the starters throughout the offseason and continues to earn praise. Coaches and players trust Hudson. And it looks like he’s finally comfortable on defense after being a standout on special teams.

DE James Smith-Williams

Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Another successful former seventh-round pick, James Smith-Williams, has played a lot more than expected through three seasons. He’s played well. While he will never put up big sack numbers, Smith-Williams is an excellent role player. The Commanders would probably love to keep Smith-Williams around.

DE Casey Toohill

Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) reacts after making a tackle during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

A lot of what we said about Smith-Williams applies to Toohill. Another solid role player who has provided excellent depth for Washington.

K Joey Slye

Joey Slye #6 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

If Joey Slye can remain consistent in 2023, Washington would likely extend him. Reliable kickers are hard to find. Slye has had some good moments with the Commanders, but he’s battled consistency issues at times.

G Saahdiq Charles

Washington Football Team offensive tackle Saahdiq Charles (77). (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

A massive opportunity awaits Charles. Injuries have hampered his career thus far, but the Commanders believe he can be their left guard for 2023 and beyond. He’ll need to beat out Chris Paul. If he can remain healthy, he’s another candidate for an extension. Washington wants to see Charles play a complete season first, though.

C Tyler Larsen

Washington Commanders center Tyler Larsen. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Larsen continues to sign one-year deals with Washington. But with Nick Gates and Ricky Stromberg also under contract for 2024, Washington could move on from Larsen, who has also battled injuries recently.

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